Saliou Niang’s 17-point, 17-rebound EuroLeague game — the first 17-17 by a non-big in competition history — boosts his NBA stock and could push bettors to consider value on Cavaliers rookie-rotation futures or Summer League minutes lines. Prop players might target over lines for points or rebounds, but treat it as a breakout, not a proven trend for season-long betting.
Saliou Niang’s historic EuroLeague night turns spotlight on Cavaliers’ late draft pick
Saliou Niang, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ No. 58 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, produced a first-of-its-kind performance in the EuroLeague that adds intrigue to a player the Cavs did not plan to bring over immediately. Playing for Virtus Bologna, Niang finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds, marking the first 17-17 game by a non-big in EuroLeague history.
Historic EuroLeague performance
Niang’s stat line stands out not only for the totals but for the position he plays. At 6-foot-6 and classified as a wing, he hauled in 17 rebounds against the team from Dubai while scoring 17 points, a combination usually logged by frontcourt players. That rarity underlines the athleticism and timing he displayed on the glass.
Player profile and context
The 21-year-old Italian wing has flashed occasional upside this season, but not at this level of production. His size, length and motor give him the tools to rebound above expectations for his position, and this game serves as a reminder of his ceiling. Virtus Bologna provided the platform; Cavs brass now has fresh film to evaluate when considering his pathway to the NBA.
What this means for the Cavaliers
Cleveland used a late pick on Niang with no immediate plan to bring him stateside, yet this performance makes a Summer League invite and an in-person evaluation more likely. The Cavs can afford to let him develop in Europe, but a breakout like this forces a recheck of timelines — he’s now an easier sell for a Summer League roster spot or an early training-camp look.
Betting and fantasy implications
For punters, Niang’s game creates short-term angles: look for value on Cavaliers futures tied to rookie rotation minutes or Summer League usage, and consider player-prop lines for points/rebounds in Summer League or early-season matchups if he makes the trip. Exercise caution — one elite outing doesn’t establish consistency, so grade wagers conservatively and watch for sample-size confirmation.
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This is a really cool feat.
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